Configuration RFID Circuit

ABSTRACT

A radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader circuit includes a transceiver configured to communicate with a plurality of different types of RFID transponders using radio frequency signals. The RFID reader circuit includes a processor circuit that is configured to detect and communicate with the plurality of different types of RFID transponders via the transceiver, respectively using a command set for the type of RFID transponder that the processor circuit is communicating with. The processor circuit is further configured to, in response to detecting an RFID transponder having configuration data for a new command set, access and use the configuration data for the new command set to update a configuration of the RFID reader circuit to enable communication with a new type of RFID transponder.

The present invention relates generally to wireless communications, and more specifically to radio-frequency (RF) communications.

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is used in a variety of applications. Generally, RFID communications are effected between a reader and a transponder, with the transponder providing identification (or other) data in response to communications from the reader. For instance, the transponder can be part of a tag (RFID tag) or other object affixed to a subject or object to be identified.

Accordingly, RFID systems often include at least one RFID reader and at least one RFID transponder. The RFID reader generates an electromagnetic field that is used for transmitting data between the RFID reader and the RFID transponder. There are multiple different types of RFID transponders that each implement different sets of commands and features for communicating with an RFID reader. An RFID reader needs to be aware of the commands and features that are implemented by a specific type of RFID transponder in order to effectively communicate with that type of RFID reader. As such, when new types of RFID transponders are introduced, the RFID readers need to be updated to be able to communicate with the new types of RFID transponders.

Updating RFID readers has been generally difficult and/or burdensome. For example, a customer may need to access appropriate software or firmware from an RFID reader/transponder supplier, and then install the software or firmware on each one of the customer's RFID readers. Such a process can take a significant amount of time before all the RFID readers are updated to support a new type of RFID transponder. Moreover, many RFID readers, such as portable readers, are not networked or are otherwise incapable of reading software or firmware. This makes updating the readers even more challenging.

These and other issues continue to present challenges to the utilization of RFID tags and other related circuits.

The present invention is exemplified in a number of implementations and applications, some of which are summarized below.

Consistent with an example embodiment of the present invention, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader circuit includes a transceiver configured to communicate with a plurality of different types of RFID transponders using radio frequency signals. The RFID reader circuit includes a processor circuit that is configured to detect and communicate with the plurality of different types of RFID transponders via the transceiver, respectively using a command set for the type of RFID transponder that the processor circuit is communicating with. The processor circuit is also configured to detect an RFID transponder having configuration data for a new and/or altered command set, and to access and use the configuration data for the new/altered command set to update a configuration of the RFID reader circuit to enable communication with a new type of RFID transponder that uses the new/altered command set. In response to detecting an RFID transponder of the new type, the processor communicates with the detected RFID transponder using the new command set.

The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The figures and detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments.

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an RFID circuit arrangement, in accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram for RFID communications and configuration, according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention including aspects defined in the claims.

The present invention is believed to be applicable to a variety of different types of processes, devices and arrangements for use with RFID applications. While the present invention is not necessarily so limited, various aspects of the invention may be appreciated through a discussion of examples using this context.

According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader is configured to wirelessly communicate with a plurality of different types of RFID transponders. In response to detecting a configuration transponder, the RFID reader reads configuration data from the configuration transponder and reconfigures itself to operate with a new command set, which may be an existing command set with one or more aspects thereof updated and/or added (e.g., a new command, security feature or communications protocol), or may include an entirely new command set. In response to detecting an RFID transponder using the new command and/or command set, the RFID reader uses the reconfigured command/command set to communicate with the RFID reader.

In connection with another example embodiment, an RFID system includes a reader and a transponder, where the RFID reader is configured with information identifying a command set and data structure of the transponder to enable the reader to access the transponder. Transponders of the same type behave in the same manner with respect to command set and data structure. Accordingly, the RFID reader stores command sets that identify the features supported by each of the different types of RFID transponders and uses the stored command sets to make proper use of the feature sets supported by a particular type of RFID transponder. In one implementation, the command sets supported by the RFID reader are stored in a lookup table that lists the features supported by each specific type of RFID transponder, and the RFID reader retrieves an appropriate command set from the lookup table when encountering an RFID transponder.

The RFID reader is further configured to detect configuration RFID transponders that include new configuration data for reconfiguring the RFID reader, and reads the new configuration data to update the RFID reader (e.g., by updating firmware, software and/or storing configuration data in a lookup table). This new configuration data may, for example, include an entirely new command set for communicating with a new type of RFID transponder, or a new command for a derivative type of RFID transponder that uses a new command as part of an existing command set. When the RFID reader subsequently detects a new type or derivative type of an RFID transponder that uses the new configuration data (e.g., a new command or command set), the RFID reader uses the new configuration data to communicate with the new/derivative RFID transponder.

The configuration RFID transponder is of a type that is already supported by the RFID reader, or at least operates using a sufficient subset of features required for the RFID reader to access the configuration data that are supported by the RFID reader. In some instances, the RFID reader is configured with a separate command set for communicating with a configuration RFID transponder. This command set may, for example, be updated and/or completely replaced with new configuration RFID transponder command sets as appropriate, using a configuration RFID transponder with new configuration data as discussed above.

In another embodiment, a configuration RFID transponder is configured to access a firmware update mechanism of an RFID reader. The configuration RFID transponder contains configuration data for enabling the RFID reader to communicate with a new type of RFID transponder. The configuration RFID transponder provides a command to the RFID reader to run a firmware update in the reader. The configuration RFID transponder then provides configuration data to the RFID reader. The RFID reader uses the configuration data to establish a new command set for communicating with the new type of RFID transponder. In one implementation, the configuration RFID transponder contains authentication data such as a password which is provided to the RFID reader to access the firmware update mechanism.

According to another example embodiment of the present invention, an RFID reader is configured to support all possible commands and features of an RFID transponder/tag platform IC (integrated circuit). In one implementation, the commands and features supported by specific types of RFID tags are stored in the RFID reader in the form of a lookup table. The tag platform IC is the IC hardware comprising the sum of the functionality of all members (tag derivatives) of the product family. The tag derivatives support subsets of the platform IC functionality (e.g., different commands and features). The RFID reader is configured to support all of the different commands and features of the platform IC. The RFID reader also stores information regarding which commands and features of the platform IC are implemented by the different types of RFID tags. The RFID reader uses this stored information to communicate with the different types of RFID tags. When a new RFID tag derivative is introduced, RFID reader is updated to include information specifying the commands and features of the platform IC that are implemented by the new RFID tag derivative. The RFID reader then uses such information when communicating with tag derivatives of the new type.

New types of RFID tag derivatives can include commercial derivatives and physical derivatives. Commercial derivatives have different configurations (e.g., they implement a different set of commands and features of the platform IC) than existing tags in the production test without changing the production mask set. Physical derivatives involve changes to the production mask set. Commercial derivatives are flexible and tend to have a shorter time to market, whereas physical derivatives allow for smaller die sizes. For each new derivative of RFID tag that is brought to the market, a further entry needs to be added to the lookup table of the RFID reader to enable the reader to communicate with the new type of RFID tag. Configuration data for the new entry in the lookup table is stored in a configuration RFID tag of a type that is already supported by the RFID reader. The firmware of the RFID reader is updated by accessing the configuration data and storing the new entry in the lookup table for the new RFID tag derivative.

Other embodiments are directed to using RFID tags for initial configuration of RFID readers. For instance, before a particular reader is used to read RFID tags (e.g., after initial delivery to a customer), a configuration RFID tag is used to define the type of RFID tags that the reader can access. Such a reader may be programmed to read RFID configuration tags at the factory, and tailored in the field to read a predefined set of RFID tags. This approach permits the use of a common manufacturing process across readers to be used in completely different implementations and with completely different platforms, and subsequent in-field programming of the readers to tailor them to their specific applications.

Table 1 contains an example command and feature set of an RFID tag platform IC, in accordance with one or more example embodiments. RFID tags can implement one or more RFID standards including, but not limited to, the ISO15693 standard provided by the International Organization for Standardization (Geneva, Switzerland), and EPC AutoID and EPC G2 standards available from the EPCglobal standards group. The command set of an RFID standard includes mandatory, optional and custom commands. Mandatory commands are commands that shall be supported, optional commands are commands that may be supported and custom commands are additional commands that may be defined by the IC vendor. RFID tags can also implement a variety of features including, but not limited to, data coding, data transmission rates, memory size and structure, security features and sensors.

TABLE 1 Configuration Option Supported Example feature 1 yes EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) feature 2 yes User memory password protection optional command 1 yes optional command 2 yes custom command 1 yes high speed anti-collision custom command 2 yes user memory available 8 kbit RFID standard 1 yes ISO15693 RFID standard 2 yes EPC AutoID custom command yes selective EAS extension 1 Tables 2-4 show example command and feature sets of different types of RFID tags, as used in accordance with various example embodiments. RFID tags each have a number that uniquely identifies each RFID tag, for example, in the ISO15693 standard the number is referred to as a UID (Unique identifier). No two RFID tags have the same UID. The UID number is programmed during production of the RFID tag by the IC manufacturer. Table 2 shows the commands and features supported by a first low end, low cost, UID only tag derivative. Table 3 shows the commands and features supported by a second high end tag derivative having dual standard support. Table 4 shows the commands and features supported by a third high end memory tag derivative.

TABLE 2 Configuration Option Supported Example feature 1 no EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) feature 2 no User memory password protection optional command 1 no optional command 2 no custom command 1 no high speed anti-collision custom command 2 no user memory available 0 kbit max: 8 kbit RFID standard 1 yes ISO15693 RFID standard 2 no EPC AutoID custom command no selective EAS extension 1

TABLE 3 Configuration Option Supported Example feature 1 yes EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) feature 2 no User memory password protection optional command 1 yes optional command 2 yes custom command 1 yes high speed anti-collision custom command 2 yes user memory available 2 kbit max: 8 kbit RFID standard 1 yes ISO15693 RFID standard 2 yes EPC AutoID custom command yes selective EAS extension 1

TABLE 4 Configuration Option Supported Example feature 1 no EAS (Electronic Article Surveillance) feature 2 yes User memory password protection optional command 1 no optional command 2 no custom command 1 no high speed anti-collision custom command 2 no user memory available 8 kbit max: 8 kbit RFID standard 1 yes ISO15693 RFID standard 2 no EPC AutoID custom command no selective EAS extension 1

FIG. 1 shows an RFID circuit arrangement 100, in accordance with another example embodiment of the present invention. The circuit arrangement 100 includes an RFID transponder 110 and an RFID reader 120. The RFID transponder 110 and the RFID reader 120 wirelessly communicate with each other via RF interfaces 111 and 121. The RFID reader 120 includes a transceiver 122 for communicating with the RFID transponder 110, a processor circuit 123 and memory circuit 124 that stores command set data specifying the commands and features supported by different types of RFID transponder. As such, the RFID reader 120 is configured with feature sets of a plurality of different types of RFID transponders or transponder derivatives. In one implementation, the command set data is stored in a lookup table that lists the features supported by specific types of RFID transponders.

The RFID transponder 110 includes a transceiver 112 for communicating with the RFID reader 120, control circuitry 113 and a memory 114 that stores configuration data for updating the command set data of the RFID reader 120. The memory 114 includes both system memory and user memory as discussed in relation to Table 5. In one implementation, the control circuitry 113 is a finite state machine.

The RFID reader 120 generates an electromagnetic field that is used for communications between RFID reader 120 and the RFID transponder 110. In one implementation, the electromagnetic field is also used to supply power to the RFID transponder 110. In another implementation, the RFID transponder 110 includes a power source such as a battery. Further details regarding methods of communications between RFID readers and transponders and regarding power supplied to RFID transponders is found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,633,392, 7,417,599 and 5,995,019, each of which is hereby fully incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The RFID reader 120 is configured to use an appropriate command set for communicating with the RFID transponder 110, based upon the type of the RFID transponder, to make proper use of the features supported by the RFID transponder. Accordingly, when the RFID reader 120 detects the RFID transponder 110, the RFID reader 120 determines the type of the RFID transponder 110 and accesses appropriate command set data for the identified type of RFID transponder. Using the accessed command set, the RFID reader 120 communicates with the RFID transponder 110. For example, if memory in the RFID transponder 110 is password protected, the RFID reader 120 needs to be aware of the password protection and uses the appropriate commands to access data in the memory. In one implementation, the RFID reader 120 automatically uses optional features and commands that are supported by a specific type of RFID transponder, such as a faster anti-collision command, when communicating with that type of RFID transponder.

In one implementation, the RFID reader 120 is reconfigured to communicate with a new RFID transponder derivative, using the RFID transponder 110 as a configuration transponder to update and reconfigure the RFID reader 120 to be capable of communicating with a new transponder derivative. For example, the RFID transponder 110 may include a new command for use with an existing command set or communication protocol. The RFID transponder 110 can thus be used to add an additional feature or command to those used by the RFID reader 120 to be implemented by an existing type of RFID tag.

In another implementation, the RFID reader 120 is reconfigured to communicate with a new RFID transponder using an entirely new command set, using the RFID transponder 110 as a configuration transponder to reconfigure the RFID reader with a new command set. Such a command set may include, for example, a tag type identifier, a communications standard/protocol, a feature set, data coding, data rates, memory size and structure, security features, sensors and one or more of mandatory, optional and custom commands.

In some implementations, the RFID transponder 110 sends configuration flag data to the RFID reader 120 indicating that the transponder contains configuration data for updating the reader. This configuration flag data may, for example, be stored in a lookup table and used by the RFID reader 120 to identify the RFID transponder 110 as a configuration transponder. A configuration transponder such as transponder 110 can be used for each new RFID transponder for which the RFID reader 120 is to read, such as when a new type of RFID transponder is brought to market. A further entry can thus be added into the lookup table of the reader 120 (e.g., for firmware) to facilitate communications with new transponder types.

The RFID transponder 110 is implemented in one or more of a variety of manners. In some instances, the RFID transponder 110 is of a configuration type that the RFID reader 120 is programmed to communicate with. In other instances, the RFID transponder 110 is of a type that is already supported by the RFID reader 120 (e.g., with appropriate communication data for the transponder stored in a lookup table), thereby enabling the transponder to communicate with the reader.

In some implementations, the RFID reader 120 authenticates the transponder 110 and/or the configuration data stored on the transponder 110 to ensure that the transponder is authorized to update the RFID reader 120. For example, the configuration data can contain data needed to access the firmware update mechanism of the RFID reader 120. In one implementation, the authentication/access data includes a password or other predefined authentication data needed by the RFID reader 120 to verify the authenticity of the configuration RFID transponder 110. The configuration data stored on the RFID transponder 110 can also be encrypted for additional security. In another implementation, the reader 120 is configured to use a cyclic redundancy check to prevent errors in the transmission of the configuration data from the RFID transponder 110 to the RFID reader 120.

Table 5 shows an example of the data stored in the memory of a configuration transponder such as transponder 110 of FIG. 1.

TABLE 5 System Memory UID (Unique Identifier) DSFID (Data Storage Format Identifier, see ISO15693) AFI (Application Family Identifier, see ISO15693) User memory tag type identifier tag type feature list (see Table 6) authentication/access data cyclic redundancy check (CRC) other user data

Table 6 shows an example transponder type feature list that would be stored in the configuration transponder and used to update an RFID reader. The transponder type feature list contains the supported information of the new transponder derivative in compact format (17 bits in the example shown in Table 6).

TABLE 6 custom optional optional custom custom [7] user RFID RFID command feature feature command command command command memory Standard Standard extension 1 2 1 2 1 2 available [6] [5] [4] [3] [2] [1] [0] 1 2 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram for RFID communications and configuration, according to another example embodiment of the present invention. The communications and configuration are implemented by an RFID reader and an RFID transponder such as RFID reader 120 and RFID transponder 110 of FIG. 1. The RFID reader detects an RFID transponder at step 202. The RFID reader then identifies the pre-programmed command set used by the detected RFID transponder at step 204. The pre-programmed command set for the detected RFID transponder identifies the commands and features supported by the detected RFID transponder. Different types of RFID transponders support different combinations of commands and features. The RFID reader then uses the commands and features of the identified command set for communicating with detected RFID transponder at step 206.

At step 208, the RFID reader determines that the detected RFID transponder contains configuration data for updating the RFID reader. In one implementation, the RFID transponder sends authentication data such as a password to the RFID reader to access the update mechanism of the reader at optional step 210. The RFID reader then authenticates the RFID transponder and/or the configuration data stored in the RFID transponder at step 212.

After authentication or otherwise detecting that the RFID transponder contains configuration data, the RFID reader reads the configuration data from the transponder at step 214. The configuration data is used to establish a new command set in the RFID reader that identifies the commands and features that are supported by a new type of RFID transponder at step 216. In one implementation, the commands and features supported by the new type of RFID transponder are programmed as a new entry in a lookup table of the RFID reader.

The RFID reader detects another RFID transponder at step 218. The RFID reader then identifies the other RFID transponder as being of the new type that uses the new command set at step 220. The RFID reader then uses the commands and features of the new command set for communicating with other RFID transponder at step 222.

Based upon the above discussion and illustrations, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without strictly following the exemplary embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein. For example, the configuration RFID tag can be used in a system that includes multiple RFID readers to update each of the readers to communicate with new types of RFID tags. Circuits such as those referred to as processors, control circuits or processor circuits can be implemented using hardware, a finite state machine or other circuitry. In addition, terms referring to commands or command sets may involve a variety of different types of data in addition to and/or as an alternative to those described. Such modifications do not depart from the true spirit and scope of the present invention, including that set forth in the following claims. 

1. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) reader circuit comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with a plurality of different types of RFID transponders using radio frequency signals; and a processor circuit configured to detect and communicate with the plurality of different types of RFID transponders via the transceiver, respectively using a command set for the type of RFID transponder that the processor circuit is communicating with, in response to detecting an RFID transponder having configuration data for a new command set, access and use the configuration data for the new command set to update a configuration of the RFID reader circuit to enable communication with a new type of RFID transponder, and in response to detecting an RFID transponder of the new type, communicate with the RFID transponder of the new type using the new command set.
 2. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, wherein the new command set is an updated version of an existing command set, and the processor circuit accesses and uses the configuration data to update at least one aspect of the existing command set.
 3. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, wherein the new command set is a new command set that is independent from command sets for which the RFID reader has been previously configured, and the processor circuit accesses and uses the configuration data to update the reader with an entirely new command set.
 4. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, wherein the processor circuit is factory-configured with a single command set for reading a configuration RFID transponder, and prior to communicating with RFID transponders that do not include configuration data, configured to access at least one configuration RFID transponder to field-configure the RFID reader circuit with a command set for each of the plurality of different types of RFID transponders.
 5. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, wherein the processor circuit is further configured to in response to detecting an RFID transponder having configuration data for a new command set, authenticate at least one of the configuration data and the RFID transponder, and in response to the authentication, access and use the configuration data for the new command set to update the configuration of the RFID reader circuit.
 6. The RFID reader circuit of claim 5, wherein the processor circuit is further configured to authenticate at least one of the configuration data and the detected RFID transponder responsive to password data provided to the RFID reader circuit by the detected RFID transponder.
 7. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, further comprising a memory circuit configured to store a plurality of command sets, each of the commend sets for communicating with one of the different types of RFID transponders, wherein the RFID reader is configured to update a configuration of the RFID reader circuit by storing the accessed configuration data in the memory circuit.
 8. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, further comprising a memory circuit configured to store a plurality of command sets in a lookup table having an entry for each type of RFID transponder with which the RFID reader circuit is configured to communicate, each of the command sets for communicating with one of the different types of RFID transponders, wherein the RFID reader is configured to update a configuration of the RFID reader circuit by storing the accessed configuration data in the lookup table.
 9. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, wherein each of the command sets identifies commands and features supported by one of the different types of RFID transponders.
 10. The RFID reader circuit of claim 1, wherein the processor circuit is further configured to enter a firmware update mechanism responsive to data received from the detected RFID transponder in which firmware of the RFID reader circuit is updated using the configuration data.
 11. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) system comprising: an RFID transponder configured to operate in accordance with a particular command set and to store configuration data for configuring an RFID reader circuit for communicating with a new type of RFID transponder; and an RFID reader circuit configured to communicate with RFID transponders that operate according to a plurality of different command sets, in response to detecting the RFID transponder that stores the configuration data, access and use the configuration data to establish a new command set in the RFID reader circuit for communicating with the new type of RFID transponder, and in response to detecting an RFID transponder of the new type, communicate with the RFID transponder of the new type using the new command set.
 12. The RFID system of claim 11, wherein the RFID reader circuit is further configured to in response to detecting an RFID transponder having configuration data for a new command set, authenticate at least one of the configuration data and the RFID transponder, and in response to the authentication, access and use the configuration data for the new command set to update the configuration of the RFID reader circuit.
 13. The RFID system of claim 11, wherein the RFID reader circuit is further configured to authenticate at least one of the configuration data and the detected RFID transponder responsive to password data provided to the RFID reader circuit by the detected RFID transponder.
 14. The RFID system of claim 11, wherein the RFID reader circuit is further configured to store a plurality of command sets, each of the commend sets for communicating with one of the different types of RFID transponders, and to store the new command set in association with an identification for a new type of RFID transponder, for access and use in communicating with the new type of RFID transponder.
 15. The RFID system of claim 9, wherein each of the command sets identifies the commands and features supported by one of the different types of RFID transponders.
 16. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder for updating an RFID reader circuit, the RFID transponder comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with the RFID reader circuit using radio frequency signals according to a command set; a memory circuit configured to store configuration data for a new command set; and a control circuit configured to communicate with the RFID reader circuit via the transceiver using the command set for the RFID transponder, and provide the configuration data to the RFID reader circuit to update a configuration of the RFID reader circuit to enable the RFID reader circuit to communicate with a new type of RFID transponder that uses the new command set.
 17. The RFID transponder of claim 16, wherein the RFID transponder circuit is configured to authenticate the RFID reader using authentication data stored in the memory and authentication data provided by the RFID reader, and to provide the configuration data to the RFID reader circuit in response to the authentication.
 18. The RFID transponder of claim 16, wherein the memory circuit is further configured to store password data for accessing a firmware update mechanism of the RFID reader circuit, and to provide the password data to control the RFID reader circuit to execute the firmware update mechanism.
 19. The RFID transponder of claim 16, wherein the configuration data stored in the memory circuit is encrypted.
 20. The RFID transponder of claim 16, wherein the RFID transponder is configured to provide data to the RFID reader circuit to authenticate at least one of the RFID transponder and the configuration data. 